This book is definitely a slow burn. The comparisons to Celete Ng's Little Fires Everywhere is a great one, because like Little Fires Everywhere, there are several layers of story playing out in front of your eyes.
There are the race and ethnic issues that are brought up front and center of this book, as one of the boys "accused" is of Middle Eastern descent, and clearly the "choice" of the police and public as the one that potentially committed the crime. It also juxtaposes the wealthy, and what they can do with their money to cover up or get out of crimes, whereas the average person (not even poor-- just average) has to rely on their own wits and sense to deal with issues that the rich just throw money at.
It also was a homage to denial, as one of the character's mothers is truly in a state of denial about their character and their actions, to the point that she is party to a coverup, even though she has constant questions about his behavior.
All in all, a great read, that I would recommend to those who like drama with a twist of mystery.
There are the race and ethnic issues that are brought up front and center of this book, as one of the boys "accused" is of Middle Eastern descent, and clearly the "choice" of the police and public as the one that potentially committed the crime. It also juxtaposes the wealthy, and what they can do with their money to cover up or get out of crimes, whereas the average person (not even poor-- just average) has to rely on their own wits and sense to deal with issues that the rich just throw money at.
It also was a homage to denial, as one of the character's mothers is truly in a state of denial about their character and their actions, to the point that she is party to a coverup, even though she has constant questions about his behavior.
All in all, a great read, that I would recommend to those who like drama with a twist of mystery.